7 The law like this hand-writing stands,
And speaks the wrath of God ;
But Jesus answers its demands,
And cancels it with blood.
75.
The Gourd.—Jonah, iv, 6-8.
1 As once for Jonah, so the Lord,
To sooth and cheer my mournful hours,
Prepared for me a pleasing gourd,
Cool was its shade, and sweet its flowers.
2 To prize this gift was surely right ;
But through the folly of my heart,
It hid the Giver from my sight,
And soon my joy was changed to smart.
3 While I admired its beauteous form,
Its pleasant shade and grateful fruit,
The Lord, displeased, sent forth a worm,
Unseen to prey upon the root.
4 I trembled when I saw it fade,
But guilt restrain d the murm ring word;
My folly I confess d, and pray d
Forgive my sin, and spare my gourd.
5 His wondrous love can ne er be told,
He heard me and relieved my pain ;
His word the threat ? ning worm control d,
And bid my gourd revive again.
6 Now, Lord, my gourd is mine no more,
Tis thine, who only couldst it raise;
The idol of my heart before
Henceforth shall flourish to thy praise.
76.
Prayer for the Lord s promised Presence.—Zech. ii, 10.
1 Sox of God, thy people shield ! .
Must we still thine absence mourn ?
